Judges 9:47

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

And when Abimelech was told that all the leaders in the tower of Shechem were gathered there,

American Standard Version (1901)

And it was told Abimelech that all the men of the tower of Shechem were gathered together.

Bible in Basic English

And word was given to Abimelech that all the men of the tower of Shechem were there together.

Free Bible Version

When Abimelech found out that all the leaders in the tower of Shechem had gathered there,

Geneva Bible 1599

And it was tolde Abimelech, that all the men of the towre of Shechem were gathered together.

King James (Authorized) Version

And it was told Abimelech, that all the men of the tower of Shechem were gathered together.

Translation for Translators

But someone told Abimelech that all the leaders had gathered there.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Abimelech was told that all the leaders had gathered together at the tower of Shechem.

Noah Webster Bible

And it was told to Abimelech, that all the men of the tower of Shechem were assembled.

World English Bible

Abimelech was told that all the men of the tower of Shechem were gathered together.

Young's Literal Translation

and it is declared to Abimelech that all the masters of the tower of Shechem have gathered themselves together,

Context

The Fall of Shechem

⁴⁶On hearing of this, all the leaders in the tower of Shechem entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith.⁴⁷And when Abimelech was told that all the leaders in the tower of Shechem were gathered there,⁴⁸he and all his men went up to Mount Zalmon. Abimelech took his axe in his hand and cut a branch from the trees, which he lifted to his shoulder, saying to his men, “Hurry and do what you have seen me do.”

Summary

This verse recounts the story of Abimelek attacking the city of Thebez and attempting to set it on fire. However, a woman from the city threw a millstone from the top of the tower, crushing Abimelek's skull and leading to his death. The actions of this woman serve as a reminder of how God can use unexpected individuals to bring about justice and fulfill His purposes, even in the midst of chaos and conflict. It also highlights the consequences of seeking power through violence and deceit, as seen in Abimelek's downfall.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And Abimelech got him up to Mount Zalmon,.... A mountain near Shechem, and thought to be the same with Salmon in Psa 68:14 which seems to have had its name from the shade of the trees which grew upon it: he and all the people that were with him; his whole army: and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees; which grew upon Mount Zalmon: and took it, and laid it on his shoulders; and carried it along with him: and said unto the people that were with him, what ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done; take an axe, and every man cut down a bough with all possible haste, and lay it on his shoulder.